Why Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Are Irresistible

If you’re craving a dinner that feels both luxurious and effortlessly simple, Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are exactly what you need. This dish combines tender, juicy scallops with a fragrant mix of garlic and butter, delivering a rich, buttery flavor that’s perfect for an easy, elegant seafood dinner everyone will love. It’s quick to prepare but impressive enough to serve on special occasions or cozy weeknight meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: Garlic Butter Baked Scallops come together in under 20 minutes, making them perfect for busy nights or last-minute guests.
• Rich Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic and butter enhances the natural sweetness of scallops for a mouthwatering taste experience.
• Elegant Presentation: This dish looks like it belongs in a fine dining restaurant but requires minimal effort and skill.
• Versatile Sides: Easily paired with pasta, rice, or fresh vegetables to suit any palate or occasion.
• Impressive but Healthy: Scallops are lean protein and low in calories, making this a delicious yet nutritious option.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a vital role in creating the rich, buttery flavor and perfect texture of the Garlic Butter Baked Scallops.

• Fresh Scallops: Choose dry-packed scallops for the best texture and flavor, avoiding wet ones soaked in preservatives.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides the creamy richness that coats the scallops beautifully without overpowering their natural sweetness.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a fragrant, slightly spicy kick essential to the overall flavor.
• Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish, balancing the richness with a gentle tang.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and a mild herbal note, rounding out the flavors perfectly.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out and enhance all the other flavors.

Variations for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences—Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are wonderfully adaptable and allow you to experiment without losing their signature charm.

• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the butter for a subtle heat.
• Herb Infusion: Swap parsley for fresh thyme or basil to slightly alter the herbal profile.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or Gruyere on top before baking for a golden, cheesy crust.
• White Wine Finish: Add a splash of white wine to the butter mixture for deeper, more complex flavors.
• Gluten-Free Variation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions.

How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Step 1: Prepare the Scallops

Start by rinsing the scallops under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture ensures they bake evenly and don’t steam in the oven.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then add freshly minced garlic. Cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, before removing from heat and stirring in lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Arrange Scallops in Baking Dish

Place the scallops in a single layer in a lightly greased baking dish. Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the scallops, ensuring they’re well coated.

Step 4: Bake Until Tender

Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and slightly golden on top. Avoid overcooking to keep them juicy.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven and garnish with extra fresh parsley or lemon zest to add a fresh, vibrant touch before serving immediately.

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Use Dry-Packed Scallops: Dry scallops aren’t treated with preservatives, so they sear and bake better than the wet ones.
• Don’t Overcook: Overcooked scallops become rubbery; watch the time closely and remove them as soon as they turn opaque.
• Fresh Garlic Is Key: Using minced fresh garlic rather than garlic powder preserves flavor depth and authenticity.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Let scallops come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even baking.
• Butter Quality Matters: High-quality unsalted butter significantly impacts the richness and smooth finish of the sauce.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of green color and a fresh herbal note, while a light sprinkle of lemon zest brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

Pair your Garlic Butter Baked Scallops with creamy risotto, buttery garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness and complete the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve scallops in individual ramekins for an elegant look, or plate them atop a bed of sautéed spinach or linguine for an impressive seafood dinner presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Garlic Butter Baked Scallops in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

Scallops don’t freeze well after baking, as their texture can become rubbery; it’s best to freeze raw scallops separately if needed.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a low oven or on the stovetop over low heat to avoid overcooking and toughening the scallops, adding a bit of extra butter if needed for moisture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen scallops for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops?

Yes, but thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture, which can affect texture and flavor.

What type of scallops work best for this recipe?

Dry-packed sea scallops are ideal because they retain firm texture and flavor, while wet scallops can be watery and less flavorful.

Is it necessary to add lemon juice?

While optional, lemon juice adds a necessary brightness that balances the richness of the butter and enhances overall flavor.

How do I know when scallops are done baking?

Scallops are done when they turn opaque and firm to the touch but still slightly springy—usually about 10-12 minutes at 400°F (200°C).

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor and aroma, but if necessary, a small amount of garlic powder can be used as a substitute.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops combine simple ingredients into a dish full of rich, comforting flavors that feel fancy but are incredibly easy to make. Whether serving a romantic dinner or a quick weeknight treat, this recipe is a sure way to impress and satisfy anyone lucky enough to enjoy it. Give it a try, and watch how this elegant seafood favorite becomes a go-to in your kitchen!

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